New Found Treasures
j e w e l l e r y. r e d e f i n e d . London & Thoresby Park
Dr Rona Mackenzie is the Chief Operating Officer at David Fowkes Jewellery at Thoresby Courtyard, here she tells us of the inspiration that can be found by transforming an old found treasure into something new and exciting.
D
uring this unusual period of time, I have found myself doing those odd jobs that never quite seem to make it to the top of my to-do list. Yesterday I finally worked my way through the boxes that have been collecting dust in the bottom of my wardrobe. I love the feeling of finding a long forgotten scarf, or a favourite bag that has been tucked away, out of view. Or in my case, a pouch holding gold rings that I inherited two decades ago. They brought back a lovely memory of my childhood in Scotland: Granny rolling up her sleeves and removing her wedding rings, ready to bake some wonderful sweet treats for us to enjoy. Sadly the rings are in a form and style that don’t suit my small hands, and so they have remained in their box for all this time. When I joined the David Fowkes team, I learnt all about the fabulous, artisan cut, gemstones that are typically the focal point of David’s jewellery. Every piece of jewellery is handmade to client commission. I spent time working closely with David and our clients, observing their collaborations as David designs a piece of jewellery that is perfectly suited to the client’s needs, with their character and personality shining through in the finished piece. On one occasion a client brought in an inherited piece of jewellery and asked if we could transform it into something that she could wear daily. I watched, amazed, as gemstones were removed from a gold brooch, metal was weighed and the client was advised on how the gold could be melted and turned into a new form. This single brooch, featuring sapphires and diamonds, was transformed through the own metal cast process. Our goldsmiths created three elegant stacking rings, each featuring a single collet-set gemstone. Jewellery is personal and often signifies life events. It is wonderful to see the emotion and sentiment from an original piece of jewellery retained during its transformation. Metals can be melted down and used again, stones can be re-set, or even new ones added. Those decisions are made by our clients to ensure we create a piece of jewellery that they can wear and enjoy each day, and which holds faithfully those special memories. I look forward to the day when we are able to return to work, see our clients and make beautiful jewellery. If, like me, you have jewellery that you would like to consider transforming then please do pop in and see us and share its unique story. We would love to help you keep those special memories alive. www.davidfowkes.co.uk
com mission . create . enjoy. Each commission is a unique journey Read the stories behind our multi award-winning designs + 4 4 [ 0 ] 16 2 3 8 2 3 9 6 9 w w w. d a v i d f o w k e s . c o m # Fri e ndso f Da v id Fow kes Designed and handmade at our Thoresby Park Gallery